University of Edinburgh

Overview

Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of the UK's oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions, located in Scotland's capital city. Over its long history, the University has built a global reputation for excellence in both teaching and research, making it one of the leading universities in the world. Edinburgh consistently ranks highly on global league tables and is placed within the top 30 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

With a diverse and dynamic student population, the University is home to over 27,500 students, of whom around 6,000 come from outside the UK, reflecting its status as a truly international university. Students are drawn from more than 150 countries, creating a rich and multicultural academic community. Edinburgh offers a vast array of programmes across its 22 academic schools, covering disciplines in arts, humanities, social sciences, medicine, science, and engineering.

Strong industry links provide students with numerous opportunities for internships, placements, and career development across a variety of sectors, particularly in medicine, technology, finance, and the arts. Edinburgh's strong ties with industries help ensure that its graduates are highly employable, with many going on to successful careers in academia, research, and international business.

Living and studying in Edinburgh offers students a unique blend of academic prestige and cultural richness. The city itself is renowned for its history, festivals, and stunning architecture, with the medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Edinburgh hosts the world-famous Edinburgh Festival and Fringe, attracting artists and performers from all over the world, and students benefit from the lively arts and cultural scene year-round.

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is currently ranked second in the UK for veterinary science (Guardian’s University Guide 2024). Also, he has full accreditation from major international councils on education for the next seven years. The accreditation recognises its strong educational programme, underpinned by a commitment to an outstanding student experience.

Services for International Students

The International Office at Edinburgh has numerous programmes and branches supporting international students. The Integrated English for Academic Purposes course combines pre-sessional English tuition with a postgraduate degree. The International Student Centre runs numerous events and provides a central location for international matters.

Two schemes, the International Buddy Scheme and Hospitality Scheme, allow international students to get to know residents and current students at the university. This helps them settle in and further experience the culture of the city and University.

The university is committed to providing an enriching and supportive student experience. With state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Main Library in George Square, which is one of the largest academic libraries in Europe, and modern sports complexes like the Pleasance Sports Centre, students have access to world-class resources to support both their academic and extracurricular activities.

Ranking

• 17th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 15th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 27th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
• 30th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
• 40th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024

96% of the University of Edinburgh's research was classed as either world-leading or internationally excellent, with 55% classed at the highest level of world-leading in the REF 2021.

Accommodation

All first-year students from outside Edinburgh are guaranteed an offer of University of Edinburgh accommodation. Accommodation is based at over 25 sites, all located within a short walk or bus ride of Edinburgh's centre. 1,900 catered rooms are available in Pollock Hall, 2km from the city centre. These have an option of en suite, standard, or shared rooms. Self-catered accommodation is also available in a mixture of halls and flats around the city, generally housing up to six students per flat.

The University of Edinburgh runs an accommodation advice service at the start of each academic year to help students if they wish to find private accommodation.

Location

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is listed as a world heritage site. It is considered one of Europe's greenest and most architecturally beautiful cities. Its beauty and reputation for science since the 18th Century has earned it the nickname ‘the Athens of the North’. The University of Edinburgh is integral to the city, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.

Since 2001, Edinburgh has consistently been voted ‘Favourite UK City’ by the Observer, Conde Naste (Award Winner for Best City) and Guardian readers. Excellent road, rail and air transport links make Edinburgh accessible from all major cities in the UK and beyond.

The capital’s compact size and excellent public transport make it easy for students to explore, and Edinburgh's position as a leading financial and technological hub offers ample career opportunities in sectors such as finance, tech, and entrepreneurship.

Alumni

• Charles Darwin (Naturalist)
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Author)
• David Hume (Philosopher)
• Alexander Graham Bell (Inventor of the telephone)
• James Wilson, John Witherspoon and Benjamin Rush (Signatories of the US Declaration of Independence)
• Chris Hoy (Triple gold medal-winning cyclist)